Can You Message a Private Account on Instagram

Unlike a public account, a private account has plenty of restrictions to maintain the account’s privacy. Hence, messaging a private account on Instagram is restricted. As the name suggests, you can only interact with a private account when they accept your follow request.

However, don’t let your hopes down. There are still some ways to send a direct message to a private Instagram account. In this guide, we will show all the possible ways whether you’re following them or not. Let’s begin.

Also read: Instagram privacy settings you should know

Things to Consider to DM a Private Account on Instagram

Before proceeding with the methods, there are some essential things to remember. Messaging a private account on Instagram comes with its set of etiquette and considerations. Such as:

• Respect Privacy: Remember why private account users have restricted their content to a select audience. It’s because they want to be disturbed by other people. Hence, respect their choice. Avoid sending follow or message requests repeatedly if they do not accept them. Pushy behavior can be perceived as invasive.
• Personalize Your Message: Mention why you are sending them the message request. Take a moment to craft a personalized message. Generic or spammy messages are less likely to be well-received.

• Respect Response Time: Not everyone checks their message requests often. Be patient and give the user time to respond to your message request.
• Avoid Unsolicited Content: Never send unsolicited photos, videos, or links to a person without their consent.

With that out of the way, let’s get to the methods.

Also Read: How to see your old Instagram bios

3 Ways to Message a Private Account on Instagram

There are three ways to message a private account on Instagram, whether you follow or don’t follow them. Let us go through them all.

Note: The steps are similar for iPhone and Android users. So, regardless of your device, follow along.

1. Use the Messages Page

This might be a feature that many don’t know much about. You can use the Messages page to message a private account on Instagram without following them. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Open Instagram and tap the Messages icon at the top right corner.

Step 2: Tap the username of the person you want to message in the search bar.

Step 3: Type and send your message.

2. Message a Private Account on Instagram Without Following Them

Users can also DM a private account by visiting their profile. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Open Instagram and open the profile you want to message.

Step 2: Tap the three dots at the top right corner.

Step 3: Next, tap Send message.

Step 4: Type your message and tap Send.

3. Follow the Account and Message

If you see the “You can’t message this account unless they follow you” text while trying to message someone, the last option is to follow them and then send a message.

Step 1: Open Instagram > go to the account you want to message and tap Follow.

Step 2: Once they accept your follow request, message them from their profile or the Messages page.

How to View Message Requests on Instagram

Wonder what happens when you message a private account on Instagram? Upon receiving messages from unknown people, Instagram pushes them to message requests. The case is the same for public and personal accounts. Hence, these steps will help you find them:

On PC

Step 1: Open Instagram and click the Messages icon.

Step 2: Click Requests.

Step 3: Open the message you want to view.

Step 4: From here, choose between Block, Delete, and Accept.

On Mobile

Step 1: Open the Instagram app > tap the DM icon and choose Requests.

Step 2: Open the message you want to view.

Step 3: From here, choose between Block, Delete, and Accept.

How to Prevent DMs from Unknown People

Instagram is a social media platform where you would come across various users. However, if you don’t want to be disturbed by messages from unknown people, follow these steps:

On PC

Step 1: Open the Instagram website > click More and choose Settings.

Step 2: Choose ‘How others can interact with you’ and click ‘Manage message settings,’

Step 3: Select ‘Don’t recieve requests.’

Step 4: Choose Update Settings.

Tip: Continue the same for other options and select ‘Don’t receive requests’ wherever you see them.

Step 5: Lastly, under ‘Who can add you to groups,’ choose ‘Only people you follow on Instagram.’

On Smartphone

Step 1: Open the Instagram app > tap profile and choose the hamburger menu at the top right corner.

Step 2: Tap ‘Settings and privacy.’

Step 3: Choose ‘Messages and story replies.’

Step 4: Tap Message controls.

Step 5: Choose ‘Your followers on Instagram’ and select ‘Don’t receive requests.’

Tip: Follow the same for ‘People on Facebook’ and ‘Others on Instagram.’

Also read: How to contact Instagram to get support or report a problem

FAQs on Messaging a Private Profile on Instagram

1. How to follow a private account on Instagram without requesting?

There’s no option to follow a private account without requesting them. You need to request the person, and they should accept it. Only then can you view their posts and other updates.

2. Can someone see that I viewed their Instagram story if I don’t follow them?

Yes. The user can know who viewed their Instagram story. There is no official way to hide that from the user. However, you can view the Instagram stories without an account to prevent your name from showing.

Be Polite to the People You Message

As we have mentioned multiple times in the guide, when you message a private account on Instagram, ensure to be respectful and polite towards them. We hope that these steps were helpful. If you still have any doubts or queries, let us know in the comments below.

Categories: How to
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